Your Crew
Alex or Ben Head Captain
Crew Profile
BAGHEERA operates with two sets of crewRotation will start August 1st, 2024
Steward: Rene Melara is aboard full time until August 31st 2025.
1.Ben and Ashley will be aboard from August 1st, 2024 to March 16th, 2025
2.Alex and Carla will be onboard March 17th, 2025 to September 30th, 2025
Crew are fully vaccinated for Covid 19.
Captain Ben
From the UK, Ben is a well-travelled, highly motivated charter yacht captain who’s passion for sailing has taken him to some of the most beautiful locations accessible by boat. His RYA MCA Yacht Masters 200T was obtained off the south coast if the UK in the waters of the English Channel.
Having also spent many years in Eco tourism in the Whitsunday islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Ben has a great understanding of the ocean and all of its creatures.
Sailing the waters of the British Virgin Islands for 2 seasons, has given Ben amazing local knowledge of the area and its conditions.
Ben has an excitement that ensures each charter transcends general expectation and gives guests a unique and unforgettable experience on the water. From showing you the most exclusive locations above and below the water he is able to take you on a truly special vacation.
Onboard with Ben and his crew you can expect nothing less than the highest quality food, drink, adventure and service. It is important for all crew members that your charter vacation holds a special memory for all included.
Chef Ashley
Born and raised in Louisiana, Ashley grew up on soul food and southern hospitality. With her grandparents being travel agents, she started traveling at a young age, which sparked her interest for exploring other cultures and cuisines. After graduating university in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science, Ashley became an au pair on the coast of Italy where she was introduced to the Yachting Industry. Since then, she has been a chef on charters and deliveries in various places such as Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, French Polynesia and the Virgin Islands. Her love of travel has brought her to over 50 countries, including England where she received her Culinary Certification from the Ashburton Chefs Academy and attended the well-known Galley Gang course. She also enjoys attending cooking classes all over the world, so guests are guaranteed a trip around the globe with Chef Ashley's dishes.
Ashley's love for learning doesn't stop in the galley. You can find her in the water as a PADI Rescue Diver and is working towards Divemaster. She’s also studying to becoming a nutritionist, so colorful, nutritious meals will be served up daily.
Her love for food and the water grows with each season spent in the VI's, and she can't wait to create some unforgettable experiences for her guests.
Captain Alex
Alex loves to be on the ocean and he shares his passion with anyone who sets foot on Bagheera. His expertise in sailing is coupled with a detailed understanding of the Caribbean Islands and knowledge of little known beautiful spots. Sailing is second nature to Alex. He learned to sail at the age of 6 and as a teenager he raced across the Atlantic on, a 74-foot ketch. This set the course of his career (as a captain). He has sailed over 260 000 miles including 15 ocean crossings on a variety of vessels. For 12 years, Alex ran a 140 Topsail Schooner on a first class private charter.
Alex holds a MCA/RYA Master Ocean Certification (commercially endorsed) PADI Advanced Open Water Dive Certification and has extensive knowledge of not only what makes yachts run well but also what makes vacations fun with lasting lifetime memories. He is experienced, friendly, fun and committed to first class service and always at your service.
Together Alex and Carla represent over 30 years in the charter business and over 15 years in high-end culinary service.
Chef Carla
Carla's culinary creations reflect her dynamic personality and joy for connecting with people. Her menu offers mouth-watering delights from around the world, prepared from fresh local products and presented with a unique flair. She skillfully pairs each plate with a wine to ensure a well-rounded dining experience.
Carla has always loved to cook, helping out in restaurants in her youth back in Italy. Her creations are part Italian home cooking and fine French dining contrasted with exotic Thai cuisine. Her passion for food led her to obtain her formal training at Ashburton Culinary College, London England.
Before meeting Alex, Carla worked on a number of Super Yachts in Europe where she hosted the famous, wealthy and business elite.
Carla is a lifelong learner, continuously challenging herself to broaden her spectrum of food. To this end she has expanded her scrumptious repertoire with specialist courses in Vegan food, Indian cuisine, and Kosher considerations. She thrills her guests pallets with sophisticated nutritious foods with a unique twist creating a fusion of geography or a juxtaposition of traditional and modern. Carla has been certified with Food Safety and Hygiene (level 3 ) in the UK and Service and Etiquette at the Flight Attendant School for Aerosul- Brazil.
Rene Melara: Steward.
